Airplane pilot trainer



Sept. 18, 1945. c. c. M CARTHY AIRPLANE PILOT TRAINER Filed Apfil so, 1943' 7 Sheets-Sheet l 3 J2 ram Sept. 18, 1945. c, c, McCARTHY 2,385,095

I AIRPLANE PILOT TRAINER I Filed April 50, 1943 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 p c. c. MCCARTHY 2,385,095

AIRPLANE PILOT TRAINER 4 Filed April so, 1945 Sheets-Sheet 5 EA/55R (Z 0 l/DS aeovzvosz'a/vfln FILM afiouwp 5(E/VERY 8] FILM f7? d77f0r: Cornelius C/Vci'art/zy 5 Q BM Sept. 18, 1945. c. c. M CARTHY AIRPLANE PILOT TRAINER Filed April so, 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 wnw Z2" wan M3 w Sept. 18, 1945. c. c. M CARTHY AIRPLANE PILOT TRAINER 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed April 30, 1943 ]7 z z/e n {a 7": Cornelius C/lafart/Izy yff/oz'vzeg:

Patented Sept. 18, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT orrlcs' AIRPLANE PILOT TRAINEE Cornelius C. McCarthy, Chicago, ill.

nppllcation April 30, 1943, Serial No. 485,179 3 Claims. (Cl. 35-12) The present invention relates to a device for teaching how to fly airplanes, including the various maneuverings thereof, without involving the dangers attendant to when learning in a plane in actual flight. I

Among the objects the invention is to provide a novel device, as above generally indicated, which is at a "ground" locus, the term ground being used at this point as meaning any place not in flight, comprising a substantially stationary dummy designed to have the appearance of a plane and its usual parts, such as a cabin with forward and side windows, a stick, rudder pedals,

and signals, etc., as in an actual flying airplane. Another object of the invention is to provide relative to the dummy, as forwardly and laterally thereof, in suitably spaced relation, novel screen means, or the like, upon which images of sky, land, and otherwise, may be projected and viewed by the student with exactly the same effect as when in actual flight, the views on the screens being produced and moved in strict accordance with the movements of the controls, such as the stick, the rudder pedals, and the like, by the student.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel view projecting means, which may, be located forwardly of the dummy airplane, as shown in Fig, 2, or at any other locus as might be desired and found convenient, for producing the images upon the screens.

The invention comprehends as a part thereof -novel image positives, as films, or the like, for

producing the projected views or images on the screens, these positives being carried by and operated by the projecting means. The project ing means also comprises sets of movable lens units for projecting and moving certain parts of the scenery consonant with the controls operated by the student, with such sets so located, as forwardly and laterally of the projecting means, as to correspond to the scenes to be de- 1 picted by them on the relative screens.

Also, the invention includes simple means for operating the projector and its parts, such as.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a rear view in elevation of the device, showing the chamber in section;

Fig. 2 is a part side elevational view along a longitudinal vertical plane;

Fig. 3 is a side view of the projecting means and the lift therefor;

Fig. 4 is a part sectional view of the device shown in Fig. 3, and taken in a plane represented by line 4-4 in Fig. 3 of the drawings;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional and part plan view taken in a plane represented by line 5*5 in Fig. 6 of the drawings; V

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken in a vertical .plane represented by line 6-6 in Fig. 5 of the drawings;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the endless films for projecting the sky and ground sceneries;

' Fig, 8 is a part schematic and part perspective view of the controls in the cabin;

Figs. 9 and 10 are sections of a diagram showing the system and the mode of operation of the device;

Figs. 11 and 12 are respectively top plan and elevational views, somewhat diagrammatic, of an alternative form of control means; and,

Fig. 13 is a part perspective view of a portion of the structure shown in a diagrammatic way in Fig. 8 of the drawings.

Referring more particularly to the drawings, the embodiment selected to illustrate the invention is shown as comprising a dummy airplane I provided with laterally located Wings 2 having, if desired, movable ailerons 3, and, also, if desired, a propeller 4, although these are not essential. The plane may have a tall 5 or equivalent portion for supporting upwardly and laterally extending stabilizers 6 and l with their accompanying rudder B and elevators 9.

The body or cabin I of the dummy should have at least a forward window I0 and side windows II of which the latter may be in side doors I2, as desired. The dummy is supported at any suitable height as by supporting struts I3, or the like, as desired.

As shown the dummy is preferably located in a darkened chamber having a front wall I4, side walls I5, a bottom wall IS, a top wall Ilia, and any suitable rear wall, not shown. The front and side walls may servev as screens upon which the images are cast or projected, and in the illustrative device, I have shown separate screens I1 and I8 respectively carried by the forward and side walls and I5.

The projector shown has a suitable supportin base or pedestal 29 upon which is set a cylinder or elevator motor 2| in which operates a suitable piston, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3, flxed to jector 39 is a lamp housing 99 provided with light ray channels 99 leading to the lens units 59, ill and 44. Any suitable cap or cover 19 may be spacedly located in the bonnet 4|. The lamps 1| are centrally located in the housing 69 to afford direct passage of light rays along the chan-' nels 99 to the lens units, and are suitably supported as by way of brackets 12 secured to the housing 99 as shown more fully in Figs. 5 and 6. The films 59 and 99 pass by the openings of the channels 69 and inwardly of the lens units, or

In these bearings are shafts 28 and 29 rotatably carrying bearings 39 of a second set of yokes 3| integral to or rigid with a plate or base 32,

as shown in particular in Figs. 3 and 4. The

plate 32 at an end thereof has an upstanding yoke 33 provided at its crest with a bearing 34 for a shaft 35. To the inner projecting end portion of the shaft 35 is carried and secured a hub 39 at the upper end or crest of a yoke 31 fixed at its base to a base plate or platform 39 upon which is supported and fixed a projector 39 by way of supporting feet 49. It will thus be apparent that the projector 39 is supported to have angular movement about the axis of the shaft 35 which is at right angles or at a normal to the axis of the shafts 29 and 29 (see Fig. 4). The projector 39 may have any suitable bonnet or chimney 4| at the'top as shown.

At the front of the projector 39 is suitably adjustably connected a shield 42 the upward extending portion of which has suitable apertures or openings 43. Also, at the front of the projector is connected a pair of lens units 44 which are located rearwardly of the apertures 43. Each of the lens units 44 extends through the front wall portion of the projector (see Figs 5 and 6) and has a ball and socket connection 45 therewith, and also has fixed thereto a horizontal shaft 45 at one end thereof, the other end of the shaft being secured to a gear sector 41.

There are two of these gear sectors 47 which mesh to coordinately move the lens units 44 toward or away from each other, as about the axes of the shafts 49. To the upper shaft 46 is preferably connected an arm 49 articulated to a suitable cylinder device 49, such as a forward motion motor. (See Fig. 9.) The projector 39 also has side lensunits 59 and 5| which are in fixed re lation to the projector 39 and are for projecting scenes on the side screens [9. The forward lens units 44 are for projecting scenes or images on the forward screen l1.

Within the shell of the projector 39 are located four upright shafts 52 having their lower ends in suitable bearings 53 fastened to the bottom 54 of the projector proper. On these shafts 52 are rotatably carried upper and lower reels or spools 55 and 59 having spaced guiding flanges tighteners may be used to take up slack in the films, and may comprise flanged rollers 95 on suitable pivot supports 69 which may be adjustable as by hand screws 9l.

Suitably supported from the top'of the proin other words, between the lens units and the channels 69. The lamps are suitably connected to electrical wires or a cable 13, as shown in Fig. 6.

Referring to Fig. 7, the upper edge of the upper film 59 is preferably formed with cam portions or segments serving as depressions l4 and rises 15 at quarter positions of the circular ex tent of the film or positive 59. A roller 19 is adapted to ride on the upper edge of the positive 59 (see Fig. 7). and when it rides on the rises and depressions it alternates in motion to control the operation of the forward motion motor 99 (see Fig. 9)

The upper film 59 is preferably divided into eight segments of which there are four short segments 1''! and four longer segments 19 alternating therewith and arranged, in each group, about a quarter around the circle. The longer segments 18 depict usual sky scenery, such as clouds and the like, and the shorter segments ll are usually similar to a blank sky of any desired shade, but the effects produced in the various segments blend into each other imperceptibly, so that there is no noticeable demarcation between adjoining segments.

The lower film 99 also has like short and long segments 19 and 99 respectively and without any camming feature. This entire fllm depicts ground scenery, the four shorter segments 19 having no particular distinguishing scenic marks, and the longer segments 89 depicting predetermined or chosen forms of ground scenery, with one of the larger segments showing a representation of a runway, such as generally designated by the reference character M in Fig. '7.

Referring to Figs. 9 and 10 showing in diagrammatic form the layout of the controls and the medium of operation, the system comprises tubes or ducts to conduct operating fluid, such as air. The fluid under pressure is supplied from a suitable compressor 92 having a discharge line 83 leading to an air storage tank 94, the line 99 having a suitable check valve 95. By way of example the air pressure in tank 94 may be about seventy pounds per square inch.

From the tank 84 runs a duct 96 to a second air storage tank 9'! where the air pressure may be normally maintained at a suitable lower pressure, such as thirty pounds per square inch. In the line 99 is provided an automatically operated pressure regulating valve 98 which may be of the pressure reducing type. It is operated by a bellows 99 connected to the valve 99 and having communication by way of a duct 99 leading to the tank 971.

About the regulating valve 99 is a by-pass 9| having a valve 92 operable by a cam B. See also Fig. 4. The valve 92 is for increasing the pressure in tank 81 above the normally maintained pressure, as above referred to, when it is desired to effect certain operations of the device more fully later described.

Also, in the line 86 are provided a manually operated throttle valve 93 and a cam operated a,sas,ocs I valve 94 in series with the valve 99 and operable by a lateral cam E. See also Fig. 4. Also, in shunt with the valves 99 and 94 is a by-pass duct 95 in whichare connected a valve 99 operable by a lateral cam A (see also Fig. 4), and a valve 91 (see upper right-hand portion of Fig. 10). The valve 91 is normally in closed condition with the platform or base plate 25 in full raised position which is the position for indicating zero altitude as shown by indicator 99 connected by a link 99 to the base plate 25.

It will be noted that the valve 91 has a finger I (see Fig. 10) which is contacted by and held up by the plate 25 only when the plate 25 is in uppermost position. When the plate 25 has moved down slightly at which time the valve 91 is open, further downward movement of the plate 25 leaves the finger I00 free and the valve 91 remains open for all positions of the plate 25 therebelow, until the plate 25 rises to its uppermost position and contacts the finger I00 to then close the valve 91.

The valve 96 is operable by a lateral cam A (see also Fig. 4)

From the tank 91 runs a main duct IOI which leads to all sensitivity and back pressure pneumatic motors I02 and I03 respectively, which in the illustrative embodimentare shown as of bellows form, and which are connected to the duct I0i at suitable points and in any desired and necessary number, a few only being shown and designated I02 and I03 merely by way of illustration or example.

To the line IOI is connected a duct I04 leading to a pneumatic motor I05 for operating an electrical switch I06 operable over a series of contacts Ilil. These contacts are in electrical circuits including a battery or other energy source I00, the circuit having any suitable circuit making and breaking means I03, when desired to note the signals. In operation and with the normal pressure in the tank 81 the switch I06 will be in mid-position and not in contact with any of the switch contacts I01. When the pressure changes, either by increasing or decreasing according to tendency to dive or to stall respectively, the switch will successively contact the contacts I01 to close the circuits first to the amber light, then to the red light, and then to the bell, at either side of the signal assembly shown.

Referring to Fig. 8 showing diagrammatically the manual and pedal controls, there is a longitudinal bar IIO capable of angular movement only and prevented from longitudinal movement in suitable supports Ill and H2 at the ends of the bar. Pivotally connected by way of a cross shaft H3 extending through the bar H0 is a yoke -I I4 having a rigid arm I I5 located for manual actuation by the student.

The arm or stick II5 has a pivotal connection I IS with a longitudinally movable shaft I I1. The ends of the shaft II1 are located opposite bellows H3 and II9 connected respectively by way of the dotted line positions of the stick I I5, the valves I25 and I21 are accordingly operated to control action of the air through the ducts I94 and I95 which are connected to the motor I90, the operation of which is later more fully explained.

From pipe IOI run pipes or ducts I22 and I29 leading to sensitivity bellows I24 and I25 which act, depending on the pressure in the line IN, to control the movement of air valves I29 and I21 relatively to the pivot I I9 of the arm or stick H5 and the shaft or red II1. Suitable springs I29 and I29 may be used to move the valves I29 and I21 closer to the pivot II9 when the bellows I24 and I25 contract.

The feature just described constitutes the elevator control and operates the lateral motor I90 which angularly moves the projector generally about the axis of the pivots or trunnions 29. Referring to Fig. 3 the lateral motor I90 is connected to the shaft 28 by way of a rod or link I3I, lever or arm I32, and the hub I93 forming a part of the lever I92 and being suitably made fast to the shaft 28. Suitable air lines I94 and I35 are connected to the lateral motor I30 and to the main supply line IN by way of valves I29 and I21. It is desirable to include check valves I36 and I31 in the respective lines I34 and I35 as shown in Fig. 10.

slidably supported in saddles II1a suitably pivoted about the axis of the shaft I I0 so as to swing laterally when the stick H5 is moved laterally about the axis of the shaft I I0, as later described.

The stick I I5 extends up between the valves I25 and I21 (see Fig. 8) so that when the stick H5 is moved forwardly or rearwardly, as shown by From main line IOI (see Fig. 9) run lines I39 and I42 to a banking motor I, and having control valves I39 and I43 and check valves I40 and I44. Valves I39 and I43 are operated by a lateral movement of the stick II5 (as shown in Fig. 13). Referring to Fig. 8 and Fig. 13, the shaft IIO has a stick M which swings about the axis of the shaft I I0 and-in a plane at right angles to the axis of said shaft H0. The stick Il0a when swung about the axis of the shaft or bar H0, directly operates the valves I39 and I49 (see Fig. 13 in particular) by moving the valve stems thereof. The showing in Fig. 8 is schematic and diagrammatic and the positions of the valves I39 and I43 are to be understood to be in a plane at right angles to the shaft IIO. This is better shown in Fig. 13.

The rocking of the stick II5 forwardly and rearwardly about the pivot or shaft II4 (see Fig. 8) to the dotted line positions shown thereof is for the purpose of giving the effect of a glide or climb. The rocking of the stick II5 laterally and about the axis of the shaft IIO (see particularly Fig. 13) to the dotted line positions thereof as shown in Fig. 13 is for the purpose of giving the effect of banking, and, therefore, the shaft H0 and the stick I I0a are moved to operate the valves I39 and I49 by way of their stems to produce the effect of banking.

Also on shaft H0 is fixed a stick IIOb which when swung about the axis of the shaft IIO (see Fig. 13 in particular) and in a plane at right angles to the shaft IIO operates the sensitivity bellows I02 and I03 as better shown in Fig. 13.

All valves I26, I21, I39, I43, I53 and I54 herein described as moved bodily by the bellows I24, I25, 23I, 29I, 290 and 230, as shown in Fig. 8, have web parts 256 rigid with the valve bodies and against which the bellows mentioned act as herein described. Also connected to these web parts 255 are springs I28, I29, 23Ia, 23m, 230a and 230a respectively to bodily return the valves as the respective bellows contract, as herein described.

The line I38 runs through a check valve I40 to a banking motor I for controlling the simulated tilting or banking to the left about the longitudinai axis of the plane. Also, connected to the main line III runs another line I42 (similar to line I38) having a control'valve I43 of the same nature as valve. I38 described above, and runs Suitable signal means are preferably included to indicate side slip in either direction and the degree of slippage. Such means include bellows I85 and I48 respectively connected to lines I38 and I42 as shown in Fig. 9. These bellows oper- 7 ate through suitable switch means I41 and I88 for progressively operating signalmeans I88 and I50 which may include visual and audible signals as desired and as shown, and similar to the signal system-shown in Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 9 these signal means are identified-by legends Slip signals aileron (L. H.) and Slip signals aileron (R. H), respectively.

For the purpose of operating the rudder means to give the effect of left and right turning about a vertical axis of the plane, from main line IOI run lines I5I and I52 by way of control valves I53 and I58 and check valves I55 and I56, also in lines I5I and I52 respectively, to the fllm motor 84. These lines also operate signal means having bellows I51 and I58 connected tothe lines I5I and I52 and designed to operate signals in succession by way of suitable switch arms I58 and I80 similar to the signal means I48 and I50 in Fig. 9 and described above. These signal devices are identified by the legends Skid signals rudder (L. H.) and Skid signals rudder (R. H.), respectively.

Also running from the main air line IOI are ducts or lines I6I and I82 to thefilm motor by the plane, the section III being open to one side o1.the motor 48, and when the roller 18 rides on the depressions 14 valve I88 opens and valve 200. closes so that the motor 88 reverses and resets units 88 with no perceptible movement of the scenery due to the fact that the projectors II are at the time in line with the segments 11 and 18 of the films which have no distinguishable scenery, the section I81 being open t the other side of the motor 48. The effect of forward motion is essential in the practice of take-oils and landings. The forward motion eflect is interrupted only for the purpose of resetting the films to the starting point. v

For the purpose of producing the eifect of a stall a line 20I (see Fig. 10) is in communication with main line IN and a bellows 202 operatively connected to a valve 203 in a line 204 connected by way of a check valve 205 to line I34 and to the high pressure tank 84 whereby air from the latter, which is at greater pressure than in the line IOI, will pass by way of the duct 204, valve 203, check valve 205, duct I34 to the motor I to swing the plate 32 and projector 38 about the axis of the shafts 28 and 28.

For showing the effect of a climb or glide a line 208 is connected to the main line IN and leads to two valves 201 and 208 respectively operated by way of bellows controlled valves I63 and I64 and check valve I65, and bellows controlled valves I88 and I81 and check valve I68, respectively. Valves I63 and IE4 are connected to and operated by bellows I88 and I10 in communication with the lines HI and I12 connected respectively to lines I38 and iii, and having check valves I13 and I18 respectively; and valves IGfiand I61 are connected to and operated by bellows I15 and I18 in communication with the lines I11 and I18 connected respectively to lines I42 and I52, and having check valves I18 and I80 respectively. Connected to lines Ill and I12, and lines I11 and I18, are bleeder lines I8I, I82, I83 and I84 respectively having bleeder valves I85. I88, I81 and I88 controllable by suitable'cams I88, I80, I9I and I82 shown in Fig. 3.

For the purpose of simulating the drift of a plane, particularly in a single engine plane, a line I88 is connected to the main line IOI and has a-valve I94 which may be operated manually when desired to cause the plane apparently to turn slowly to one side, as to the left when the tendency to drift is to the left, depending uponthe direction of rotation of the engine or motor. The line straight and not sag.

cams D and C operated by motor I30 (see Fig. 10) by way of link I3I and arm I32 connected to the cam shaft 28, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, these valves being respectively in lines 208 and 2 I 0 running to the opposite sides of the-elevator motor 2 I. The level of the horizon changes when either valve 201 or 208 is operated.

To show the effect of the tendency to nose down in a turn (see Fig. 9) lines 2 and 2I2 are con-' nected by way of check valves 2 I 3 and 2 respectively to lines I82 and ISI and both running through small orifice means 2I5 and H6 to a line 2" running to lateral motor I30 (see Fig. 10). From lines 2 and 2I2 run lines 2I8 and 2I8 (see Fig. 19) to lines- I42 and I38 running to motor III, the lines 2I8 and 2I8 having small orifice means 220 and HI similar to means 2I5 and 2:6.

.The purpose of these circuits is to produce the effect of over-banking. The well-known tendencies for an airplane to overbank and nose down in'a turn must be counteracted by the student.

Referring to Fig. 2, the upper lens unit 48 will normally project a view with an included angle between lines 222 and 223% for a sky scene, and the lower lens unit 44 will normally project a view with an included angle between lines 228 and 225, as for a ground or like scenery. The two projected images meet at an apparent horizon.

Referring to Fig. 1, the front and side walls II and I5 may be provided with one or more horizontal strips 228, 221 and 228 and with one or more vertical strips 228 of suitably stifi or rigid material so that they will remain normally These strips may be of other material tensioned or held taut between suitable securing or anchoring elements at the ends thereof to maintain them straight. shown they are placed at medial positions but they may be adjusted to different loci as desired, or even removed entirely for certain purposes, such as in advanced training.

In. Fig. 8 are shown in connection with pipe or ducts IOI at different stations suitable back pressure bellows 230 and 23I of the same type and corresponding in purpose to bellows I28 and I25. These are connected to the line IOI at suitable points.

Any number of sets of controls may be used, as, for example, an'extre. set which may be operated by the instructor when instructing a student. Such one or more setsare partly shown in Fig. 8 wherein is shown another control stick Ilia which may be connected to the sliding bar II1, which may be longer than shown in Fig. 8, and to the rocking shaft H in the same way as the stick H5. Also the stick IIa will control valves, such as I26a and I21a, corresponding to valves I26 and I21. The extra controls will also have an additional pedal bar 232a, such as'is partly shown in Fig. 8 for operating valves I53a and I54a, corresponding to valves I53 and I54. In this way dual or multiple control may be effected when teaching the student.

Referring to the alternative form shown in Figs. 11 and 12 the control is of a more universal nature and comprises a stick 243 having universal joint 244 or similar pivoting means and a valve operating part 245 adapted to act against the stems of the valves 246, 241, 248 and 249. The lower end of the stick has an extension 250 having a ball or the like 250a operative against a group of four bellows I. The valves referred to ground images move downwardly and produce above are movable nearer or. farther from the universal or pivot point 244 by way of a group of four bellow 252 which correspond to the bellows I24, I25, 23I and 23I shown in Fig. 8. The stems of the valve referred to carry springs 253 which normally operate to return the valves to closed position when thestick is moved in the direction for permitting closing of the valves.

The valves mentioned have webs 254 acting as bases for the bellows 252 to act against and thus move the valves bodily. To these bases are connected springs255 acting to move the valves in an opposite direction from the movement thereof by the bellows 252.

The valves I53, I54, I64 and I61 are operated by pivotal rudder bar 232 (see Fig. 8) to which may be attached suitable pedals 233, the bar 232 having a portion in position to be acted upon by ll ggk pressure bellows, such as bellows I02 and In operation any one of several controls may be effected either independently or combined dependent on the effect desired. In some cases to obtain the proper result it is necessary to coordinate two or more of the controls the same as would occur in actual flight.

At the start all.th'e controls are properly in neutral positions. The student will be instructed to observe that the controls, such as the stick H5 and the rudder bar 232 can be moved freely against the valves I26 'or I21, and I53 or I54 without producing any movement of the images on the screens (see Fig. 1). The first and natural operation is to effect take-off. The throttle valve 93 is first opened smoothly to admit air to tank 81 by way of valve 94 which is being held open by the cam E, and to in turn supply air to the main line IOI and the lines connected thereto. The pressure in tank 81' builds up to the desired or predetermined pressure, such as 30lbs. per square inch, as controlled by pressure regulating valve 88 described above.

The student willnow observe that'the controls, such as stick H5 and rudder bar 232, against the valves I26, I21 and I53, I 54, and the bellows H8, H9, and I02, I03 do not move as freely as before by reason of the back pressure bellows I02 and I03, H8 and H9 (see Fig. 8) oposing such motion. He will also observe apparent forward motion along the rimway which is 'wasthat of speeding up the engine whereby the above described apparent forward movement resulted.

The next effect to be produced is that 0': actual take-oil. This is produced by easing the stick H5 back, as in actual practice, and this efiects tilting of the plate or platform 32 by way of the lever I32 and the air motor I30 about the axes of the shafts 28 and 29, see Figs. 3 and 4, whereby the projector 39 is bodily moved to lower the forward, part thereof whereby both the sky and ward images to descend and accordingly give the effect of rising or climbing. The altitude indicator 98 will at the same time move to show the increase in altitude.

When the indicator shows-the particular altitude to be reached then the student moves the stick I I5 forward to maintain level flight. At the start of gaining altitude, that is, when platform 25 has started to descend, it leaves the finger I00 of. the.valve 91 so that it opens the latter valve. This valve is (see Fig. 10) in a by-pass line in series with the valve 96 which is operated by the cam A. Even though this valve 91 is being opened at that time there is no effect produced because valve 96 is still closed due to the lobe of the cam A being still in non-opening position.

The next step is to produce a gliding effect. For this purpose the student closes the throttle valve 93 and moves the stick H5 forwardly to the position for obtaining the desired gliding angle. In so moving the stick II5 it opens valve I 21 to the air motor I30 thus tilting the projector 39 with its forward part upwardly. At the same time the cam A opens valve 96 which admits air through the already open -valve 91 to the tank 91 to maintain the normal air pressure therein.

When the gliding is at a correct angle the throttle valve 96, operated by cam A, is maintained sufficiently open to continue the normal air pressure in tank .81. The valve 91 remains open because of having altitude. At'that time valve 93 is closed and valve 94 is open at all times except when the plane is tilted up at a too steep angle, which is later described.

When the glide angle is chosen incorrectly, as too steep, then cam B opens valve 92 to by-pass the pressure regulating valve 88 for the purpose of permitting passage of air at a higher than normal pressure to the tank 81. That-causes an increase of pressure in the line II and on all back pressure bellows I03, IISI- and I03, and also on all sensitivity bellows I02, I24, I25, 230 and 23L The student observes that the controls, such as the stick and pedals, require more energy to opsame condition, that is, a too steep glide, from the greater sensitivity of the controls.

When the glide angle is chosen incorrectly, as too shallow, then the cam A opens the valve 95 insufliciently to maintain normal pressure in the tank 81. That causes a lower pressure in the line MI and on all sensitivity and back pressure bellows. In this case the student observes that the When gliding at a too steep angle or diving the bellows I will expand and move the switch lever I06 against successive contacts I01 to eflect warning signals, which can be lights and bells or the like; in the lower set of signals shown in Fig.10.

To show the efiect of stalling which is caused by a, losing of flying speed when the student eases back the stick and causes the plane to aassume a too steep climbing angle, cam A closes valve 98 and cam E closes valve 94 whichshut oil the,

air supply to tank 01 with a resultant drop in the line IN and connecting lines.

Bellows 202 will contract and open valve 203 to admit air from tank 04 by way of line 204 through the check valve 205 to line I34 leading to lateral motor I30. This motor suddenly tilts the platform 38 to angularly swing the projector 39 about the axis of the shaft 28- and thus produces a sudden rise of the sky and ground images on the screen, which in other words, gives the visual effect of a sudden fall.

The drop in pressure in lines I! and I04 causes the bellows I05 to contract and to move the switch I08 upwardly as seen in Fig. 10, over contacts to successively operate stall warning signals, in the upper group as shown in Fig. 10.

At the time of falling the lateral motor I30 also operates cams E and A which open valves 94 and 96 to permit flow of air to tank 01 and to restore the normal pressure therein. The student will observe the changes of back pressure and sensitivity of the controls during this operation. This shows the usual fall and recovery following a stall. Then the device is in condition for further maneuvering.

Reverting to the description above of gliding, there is a tendency when gliding for the angle of glide to increase. This is counteracted in a plane by the pilot's maintaining the necessary amount of back pressure on the stick during the gliding. For the student to learn how to maintain a correct gliding angle, the training means is provided with a duct 234 connected with ducts 2I0 and 2I1 in which duct 234 is provided a small passage or orifice 235, such as an aperture 'in a diaphragm in the duct 234 or similar means, which orifice is for the purpose of bleeding air to the lateral motor I30 and thus cause a tilting of the projector to give the effect of an increase in the gliding angle whenever the plane is in a gliding position. It is necessary for the student to correct this condition by maintaining the proper amount of manual back pressure on the stick.

Assuming proper gliding for landing and the plane reaches the runway with little altitude left, the pilot still holdling the stick, will then move the stick back to level the machine and finally nose it up as the remaining altitude is lost, that is, the plane settles. In the trainer the student similarly holds the stick and moves it back. The lateral motor I30 acts to tilt the projector 39 to give the view on the forward screen of moving forward, leveling and nosing up. At the same time the lateral motor I30 operates cams E and A to shut off valves 94 and 95 shutting oil the air supply to tank 81. This causes the controls to lose their sensitivity and back pressure. The lack of pressure in tank 81 and the line IN and the line I96 causes the forward motion motor 49 to slow down and stop. In the line 2I0, as it enters the elevator motor M, is a check valve 236 which acts to maintain pressure under the piston in the elevator motor 2I when the pressure in the tank 81 and lines I0 I-206 drops.

For the purpose of teaching the student a correct turn, that is, a bank turn, it is necessary to gealcsh him how to properly coordinate the con- With the trainer in the student, to efl'eet a tration,

condition to show flying, left turn, by way of illuswfll press the stick I I5 to the left to effect opening of valve I39. At the same time he presses the left rudder pedal 233 to open valves I53.

When valve I39 is opened air is admitted through line I38 and check valve I40 to banking motor I4I. This motor causes platform 38 and I projector 39 to tilt about the axis of the shaft 35 (see Figs. 3 and 9). This efiects a tilting of the views on the forward and side screens to give the impression of banking to the left. The student holds the stick H5 in the same position until the bank increases to the desired angle for the radius of turn to be made. Also air is supplied through line I, check valve I13 to bellows I69, later described.

When valve I53 is opened air is admitted through line I 5I and check valve I55 to film motor 64 to cause a travel of the films 59 and 60 in a clockwise motion as viewed in Fig. 5. The student also holds the left pedal 233 in the same position until obtaining the degree of turning desired. Also air is supplied through line I12, check valve I14 to bellows I10, later described.

The stick and rudder pedals are then moved back to neutral position. Valves I 53 and I39 are now closed.

I In the plane the turn then continues. In the trainer the cheat produced is the same. To show how to maintain the correct turn after the controls have been restored to neutral, valves I63 and I54 are held in open position by bellows I59 and I10 whereby air is still supplied by way of line IEI, check valve I65 and line I5I to the film motor 84. The check valves I13 and I14 hold the pressure for the bellows I69 and I 10 to remain extended after the valves I 39 and I53 have closed. The bleeders I and I86 are closed and also hold the pressure by reason of the cams I99 and I90 holding said bleeders closed until the machine is restored to level condition.

So long as the turn is maintained the orifices 2I5 and 22I permit a small amount of air to banking motor I and to lateral motor I30, to cause the efiect of overbanking and of nosing down in a turn. These must be counteracted by the student as he observes the banking is increasing and the nose is going down in the turn. He counteracts it by pressing the stick a little to the right and maintaining a little back pressure on it at the same time, the same as in a plane.

To efiect a right turn the student will press the stick II5 t the right to effect opening of valve I43. At the same time he presses the right rudder pedal 233 to open the valve I54.

When valve I43 is opened air is admitted through line I42 and check valve M4 to banking motor I. This motor causes platform 38 and projector 39 to tilt about the axis of the shaft 35 (see Figs. 3 and 9). This eil'ects a tilting of views on the forward and side screens to give the impression of banking to'the right. The student holds the stick H in the same position until the bank increases to the desired angle for the radius of turn to be made. Also air is supplied through line I11, check valve I19 to bellows I15, later described.

When valve I54 is opened air is admitted through line I52 and check valve I56 to film motor 84 to cause a travel of the films 59 and 60 in a counter-clockwise motion as viewed in Fig. 5. The student also holds the right pedal 233 in the same position until obtaining the degree of turning de sired. Also air issupplied through line I18, check valve I80 to bellows I16, later described.

The stick and rudder pedals are then moved back to neutral position. Valves I43 and I54 are now closed.

In the plane the turn then continues. In the trainer the eilect produced is the same. To show how to maintain the correct turn after the controls have been restored to neutral, valves I66 and I01 are held in open position by the bellows I and I16 whereby air is still supplied by way of line I62, check valve I68 and l ne I62 to the film motor 64. The check valves I19 and I00 hold the pressure for the bellows I15 and I16 to remain extended after the valves I43 and I54 have closed. The bleeders I81 and I88 are closed and also hold the pressure by reason of the cams I9I and I92 holding said bleeders closed until the machine is restored to level condition.

So long as the turn is maintained the orifices 2I5 and 220 permit a small amount of air to banking motor MI and to lateral motor I30, to cause-the effect of overbanking and of nosing down in a turn. These must be counteracted by the student as he observes the banking .is increasing and the nose is going down in the turn. He counteracts it by pressing the stick a little to the left and maintaining a little back pressure on it at the same time, the same as in a plane.

Having completed the desired degree of turn, such as for example, a ninety degree turn or a hundred and eighty degree turn, a hereinbefore iii described, the student oppositely moves the controls to bring the plane to level and to stop the turning. In the trainer this is carried out by the students moving the controls in the same manner and causing the projector and its projected images to return to normal position. Also when desiring to teach the effect of climbing or gliding turn the student is taught, while producing the turn, to also apply pressure forwardly or rearwardiy on the stick to simultaneously create the desired climbing or gliding turn.

In practice in a plane the movements of the stick and rudder pedals are made smoothly and slowly, not violently and suddenly. This latter is known as over-control. If the student moves the controls, either the stick or the rudder pedals, too rapidly, the result may be a skid or slip. The same efiect is shown in the trainer by way of si nals. These signals, as shown in Fig. 9, are designed'to indicate the degree of error, including an audible signal at the greatest degree of error.

In the case of producing a skid the bellows I51 or I58, depending on whether the skid is to the left or to the right, respectively, will move the switch lever I59 or I60 to successively close circuits to said signals, as is obvious from Fig. 9.

In the event of causing a slip the bellows I45 or I46, depending on whether the slip is to the left or to the right, respectively, will move switch lever I41 or I48 to close circuits to the signals I49 or I50, as shown in F18. 9.

Thus when the student receives such signals he should immediately correct the condition by moving the controls oppositely to the movement thereof causing the error.

In the trainer of the present invention the student is taught how to secure the effect of losing excessive altitude while coming in for a landing along a given path, such as a runway. One way is to produce the effect of lengthening the flight path by S turning, that is, by alternate right and left turnings prior to landing. Another method is to lose altitude by slipping. The latter effect is shown in the trainer of this invention by moving the stick to right or left but without turning the rudder, and this Produces the effect of slipping whereby altitude is lost more rapidly. Then when the trainer shows suiilciently low altitude the student then moves the stick to produce the effect of normal gliding position.

For the purpose of teaching how to allow for the wind effect or drift caused by wind from any direction, such as a head wind, tail wind, side wind, or anycombination or resultant of them, the trainer is provided with a series of hand operated valves I94, 231, 238 and 239, valve I94 being in line I93 leading to one side of film motor 64 and hand valve 231 being in a line 240 running from main line IN tothe other side of the film motor 64. Valve 239 is in line I96, on the inlet side of a check valve 242 in said line, running to forward motion motor 49, and valve 238 is in line 24I running from line 204 (see Fig. 10) to line I96 (see Fig. 9).

These valves may be set by the instructor to produce a given wind effect to be accounted for by the student, especially when landing. For example when accounting for a head wind the valve 238 will be set at a given restricted opening by the instructor. This will cause the forward motion motor 49 to operate more slowly and give the same impression of a head wind in actual flight. The student must then learn to operate the controls to compensate for such effect.

In the case of producing the effect of a tail wind the instructor sets the valve 238 to a given opening. This will cause the forward motion motor 49 to operate more rapidly and give the same impression of a tail wind in actual flight. The student must then learn the effect of more rapidly decreasing his excessive altitude and thus approach the end of the runway at the correct height.

When having the efiect of a cross wind, either right or left, the instructor adjusts valve I94 or 231 to cause the film motor 54 to move the films to the right or to the left as the case may be. The student then learns to compensate for this drift by a movement of the rudder, or stick, or both, as in actual flight.

In the event of a diagonal wind eiiect the instructor will adjust a couple of these valves proportionate to the direction and velocity of the wind effect intended to be produced. The student will move his controls to compensate for such effect.

It will be understood that all air lines or ducts are flexible, such as hoses, to be movable with the parts to which they are connected when such drawings shown an illustrative embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto but comprehends other constructions, details, arrangements of parts, features, and the like without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Having thus disclosed the invention, I claim:

I claim:

1. In an airplane pilot trainer having mechanism simulating that of an airplane and includingsimulated airplane controls: a screen located spacedly relative to the mechanism where views projected thereon may be seen by the student while operating the controls, a projector located to project views on said screen, a support for said projector and having pivotal means for tiltably supporting said support and said projector about an axis parallel to said screen, lens units carried by said projector and having means for moving said lens units toward and from each other, means connected'to said controls and to said moving means for said lens units for said moving of said lens units, and means connected to said controls and to said pivotal means for said projector for tilting said projector about said axis.

2. In an airplane pilot trainer having mechanism simulating that of an airplane and includescapes an axis parallel to said screen, lens units carried by said projector and having mean for moving-.2 said lens units toward and from each other, means connected to said controls and to said moving means for said lens units for said moving of said lens units, a source of light carried by said projector, a scene objective carried by said projector between said source oi light and said len units, means for movably supporting said objective, means connected to said latter supporting means and to said controls for moving said objective between said source of light and said lens units.

3. In an airplane pilot trainer having mechanism simulating that of an airplane and including simulated airplane controls;a screen located spacedly relative to the mechanism where views projected thereon may be seen by the student while operating the controls, a projector located to project views on said screen, means connected to said controls and said projector for moving said projector for selectively projecting scenes on the screen in simulation of views seen in actual flight, said controls including manual and pedal ing simulated airplane controls; a screen located spacedly relative to the mechanism where views projected thereon may be seen by the student while operating the controls, a projector located to project views on said screen, a support for said projector and having pivotal meansfor tiltabiy supporting said support and said projector about members, valves operable by said members, a source of fluid under pressure, ducts connected to said source and to said valves, said valves being connected to said projector moving means, and means associated with said manual and pedal members to aflord givenresistance to freee dom of action thereof under given conditions,

said projector 'moving means having cams, and said ducts having other valves operatively connected to said came to be operated by said cams when said cams are moved by said projector moving means in accordance with the movement of the projector under given conditions.

' CORNELIUS C. McCAR'I'HY. 

